Craft

‘Animals’ and the Drone Dilemma: When Spectacle Turns Flat

By Catriona Vale, Craft & Criticism EditorJanuary 14, 2024

A recent Netflix film highlights how overused drone shots can diminish cinematic impact, yet thoughtful application remains possible. Experts weigh in on how to elevate aerial cinematography beyond clichés.

‘Animals,’ the latest Netflix release, exemplifies how drone cinematography’s potential is often squandered. Its sweeping aerial shots, meant to evoke grandeur, frequently come off as uninspired and forgettable, stripping scenes of emotional resonance. While drone technology offers filmmakers an economical way to capture vast landscapes or cityscapes, overreliance on these shots risks flattening visuals rather than elevating them. This problem isn’t unique to ‘Animals’—it's a widespread issue in streaming-era filmmaking, where quick turnarounds and cost-cutting often prioritize spectacle over substance.

The cinematographer Robert Elswit, whose work on ‘Animals’ has been criticized for its anonymity, isn’t solely to blame. As one industry veteran notes, the problem stems from content-driven choices: when the story doesn’t demand visual flair, even the most impressive drone shots can feel hollow. The temptation to use aerial views for their ease and visual punch often results in shots that look more like screensavers than narrative tools. That’s a missed opportunity, especially when a well-placed drone shot can deepen storytelling—adding context, emotion, or sense of place—if used judiciously. More context: Craft.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Some cinematographers approach drone work with restraint and purpose. Jeff Hutchens, a veteran who transitioned from photojournalism to film, emphasizes that drone shots should serve the story rather than just dazzle visually. Instead of defaulting to sweeping vistas, Hutchens advocates for shots that reinforce narrative beats or character moments, avoiding the cliché of endless landscape panoramas. His approach demonstrates that drone cinematography can add depth and texture if filmmakers resist the urge to overuse it, focusing instead on storytelling essentials. More context: Craft.

The key, according to industry insiders, is to see drone footage as a tool rather than a shortcut. When used thoughtfully, drones can create memorable, impactful visuals—like capturing a character’s isolation or the scale of a conflict—without resorting to clichéd, empty spectacle. As filmmakers and cinematographers refine their craft, the hope is for aerial shots to reclaim their place as meaningful storytelling devices instead of mere visual filler. ‘Animals’ serves as a case study in what happens when this potential is left untapped, but also a reminder that better choices are possible.

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